Last Updated on 9 July 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Christmas Cheer after a challenging year
It’s that time of year again but this year has of course been a little different. Christmas is a time to reflect, and the universal experience of 2020 amidst a global pandemic has certainly given us much to reflect on. At the centre of it all has been the vital importance of health, good healthcare and preventative strategies to protect us from ill-health. As natural health care practitioners we believe this year the Christmas message of the value of good health serves as a reminder of our duty to the public and the lessons we are reminded of along the way – such as the Naturopathic principle ‘Prevention is the best cure’.
2020 has been a year with a primary global focus on health. Still, some aspects like the impact on the economy and our social experiences due to lockdowns and restrictions have often overshadowed this, affecting our mental and emotional wellbeing. Still, at the heart of the issue has always been the concept of disease prevention and working together as a community for the good health of all Australians. Under the circumstances, it certainly makes Christmas 2020 that much more meaningful and Christmas cheer a little more relevant to keep a sense of positivity and encourage merriment after a year of significant change and challenges.
’Tis the Season to be Healthy
Maintaining good health and preventing disease has been the foundation of how we, as a society, have approached daily life in 2020. What better way to ensure this than keeping a healthy diet, exercise and minimising alcohol and sugar throughout the festive season. Good immune health is something many Australians are more aware of and prioritising, so creating new traditions at Christmas alongside our changing values makes room for ways to celebrate that also celebrate good health.
What better way than the Australian way
Fresh nutrient-rich seafood, enjoying the great outdoors and time in Nature – whether it’s at the beach, soaking up the sunshine or simply in your own backyard – the Aussie way of celebrating Christmas can definitely have its healthy perks. While we may borrow on many European traditions when it comes to the season, much of what we do at Christmas that is more in tune with the Southern Hemisphere climate celebrates our culture, heritage and unique traditions with a great opportunity to keep in good health.
Keeping Christmas Close to Home
Christmas might feel a little closer to home this year – perhaps because you are staying put for the holidays or because it has a little more meaning after the year that was. If there is one thing that 2020 has reminded us of it is how finite resources can become and the responsibility we have as consumers. Now more than ever supporting local business is relevant and necessary to ensure these businesses can survive and thrive at a time of year where sales increases can be a saving grace after falling on hard times. Shopping and eating locally, buying Australian made products and supporting small business are on top of Santa’s nice list this year.
Christmas Cheer and a Happy New Year
We wish you well this Christmas and hope new beginnings abound in 2021 that bring better things. We hope you feel inspired to cultivate a more meaningful Christmas sharing joy with your loved ones and keeping in good spirits. May the holidays strengthen your ability to nurture yourself and others and to find our way forward to improve and maintain our health and wellbeing.
We have a popular Christmas Dessert Recipe that partners this Christmas Blog.
Best wishes from the Brisbane Livewell Clinic Team
Want to learn more? We have these Blogs that may also interest you. Click HERE or HERE or HERE
